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TomJ Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Q38: 'The very first thing' Vs 'The first thing'
Hi dear members of the Forum!
I'd like to ask you something about 'very', please. Could we use 'very' as I've used in the following example?
= The very first thing about how to make a protein shake is...
Can't I just say 'the first thing about how to make...'? Would there be a difference in meaning?
Thank you.
I'd like to ask you something about 'very', please. Could we use 'very' as I've used in the following example?
= The very first thing about how to make a protein shake is...
Can't I just say 'the first thing about how to make...'? Would there be a difference in meaning?
Thank you.
Top answer
The usage would be different (the word "very" is used like an intensifier, to imply an even more fundamental aspect of something than the word "first" implies), for example: The very first thing in making a protein shake is to decide whether you really want to make such an unappetizing thing, something that you're going to have force down your throat. The first thing in making a protein shake is to decide what type of protein to use, because there are hundreds of different types available.
- The usage would be different (the word "very" is used like an intensifier, to imply an even more fundamental aspect of something than the word "first" implies), for example: The very first thing in making a protein shake is to decide whether you really want to make such an unappetizing thing, something that you're going to have force down your throat.
- The first thing in making a protein shake is to decide what type of protein to use, because there are hundreds of different types available.
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2 Answers
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The usage would be different (the word "very" is used like an intensifier, to imply an even more fundamental aspect of something than the word "first" implies), for example:
The very first thing in making a protein shake is to decide whether you really want to make such an unappetizing thing, something that you're going to have force down your throat.
The first thing in making a
The very first thing in making a protein shake is to decide whether you really want to make such an unappetizing thing, something that you're going to have force down your throat.
The first thing in making a
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So, 'the very first' is just an intensive way of saying 'the first...'. OK, got it. And thanks to you for replying!
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